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IMPORTANT AND INTERESTING ITEMS 



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HISTORY or THE 



UNITED STATES. 



TENTH EDITION WITH ADDITIONS. 



HENRY TUTTLE, PUBLISHER, 

4 

NORWICH : 

PHXNTBD BY M. B. YOUNG. m 

•1838. ^ 



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^s©^©iiir^iv.ii, ©^■s'lE^iEiiE^Mr, 



COMPRISING THE 



IMPORTANT AND INTERESTING ITEMS 



IN THE 



HISTORY OF THE 



UNITED STATES 



TENTH EDITION WITH ADDITIONS. 



HENRY TUTTLE, PUBLISHER. 



NORWICH : 

PRINTED BY M. B. YOUNO. 
1838. 



E\7B 



PREFACE. 

Having formerly been for some time engaged in teaching, the Author 
iias Been the necessity of some study to fill up the interim between Ge- 
ography and Arithmetic. It is doubtless true, that most children, being 
put at Arithmetic too early, acquire a distaste for it, because they do not 
TGnderstand it. This often discourages them, and ruins many who other- 
wise would have been good scholars. History, all will agree, may here 
be introduced to advantage. The present is simple and short, behig 
barely the outlines of the history of our country. Its size and price will 
enable it to be purchased and studied by every person With these re- 
flections, it is commended to the notice of parents and teachers. He is 
more solicitious that a book of the kind should be adopted in our schools, 
than that this individual work should succeed merely because he is 
the author. The former editions having met with an immediate sale, 
(the sixth edition, of five thousand, and the seventh of seven thousand 
five hundred copies, and the eighth of ten thousand copies, the ninth 
edition of five thousand copies,) the tenth edition of ten thousand is now 
offered. 



COPY-KIGHT SECURED. 






HISTORICAL CATECHISM 



Has the Continent of America been known for a long time ? 
No ; only iibout throe hundred and forty three years. 

By whom was it discovered ? 

By Christopher Columbus. 
■{ Was it not inhabited before ? 

Yes; it was inhabited by savages, or Indians. 
Why did Columbus think of finding land on this side the ocean ? 
He found the bodies of two men on the shore, of a dif- 
ferent complexion from the natives of Europe, after the 
wind had been blowing from this way. 

To whom did he apply for ships and men to come with him to search 
for the American continent ? 

To his native country, Genoa ; to Henry VII. King of 
England ; and finally to Ferdinand and Isabella, King and 
Queen of Spain. 
Who granted him a fleet of ships, and men and provisions ? 
Ferdinand and IsabsUa. 
From what place did he set sail ? 
From Pcilos, in Spiin, in the year 1492. 
What cour:-G did he sail ? West. 

What singular event occured ? 

Thj needle in his compass, which had formerly pointed 
to the North, was seen to incline towards the West. 

What did the men say to this ? 

They feared that they should all perish, and they threat-, 
ened to throw their commander into the sea, if he would 
not return. 

Wh.ll did ho propose to them ? 

That it they would continue on three days longer, and 
did not then find land, he would return. 
Did they find land before the end oftlirce days? 
Tlu'y did ; on the third night, about midnight, they saw 
alight. 
What island did he first discover? 
San Salvador. 
From what does the Continent derive its name ? 

From Aniericus Vespacius. 
1 



Had he a right to that honor ? 
No ; it properly belonged to Columbus, the first dia- 
coverer. 
Who attempted first to estabUsh a settlement in America ? 
Jasper Cologni, the head of the Protestant sect in France. 
Who are Protestants ? 

All who profess the Christian religion that are not 
Idol Worshipper. 
Where was the first settlement made in North America ? 
At Quebec, the capital of Canada, in 1608. 
Where was the first settlement made in the United States ? 
At Jamestown, in Virginia. 
What principal man came over with the first settlers ? 
Captain John Smith, 
Was he ever taken prisoner by the Indians ? 
He was. 
Who saved his hfe ? 

Pochahontas, the daughter of the Indian King. 
How did she do it ? 

She interceded with her father to save his life, when 
the Indians were about to put him to death. 
Was she afterwards a friend to the English ? 
Yes ; when the Indians had laid a plan to destroy all 
the whites, she came a long journey to Jamestown on a 
dark and dreary night, and told Captain Smith. 
What became of her ? 

She was carried to England, and married to a very re- 
spectable man by the name of Rolfe. 
Are any of her descendants living in Virginia ? 
Yes ; some of the most respectable families in the State, 
claim to be descendants from her. 
Was Captain Smith ever chosen President ? 
Yes ; and he was the means of preserving the Colony 
from the cruelty and treachery ot the Indians. 
Were slaves introduced into Virginia soon after its settlement ? 
They w^ere ; but the people believed it to be inhuman to 
hold them, and did all in their power to prevent it. 
What did the officers of the King do ? 

They favored the practice of transporting the wretched 
negroes from their homes, and keeping them in bondage 
for their own convenience. 



Who were the first settlers of Massachus etts ? 
A Ml'. John Robinson and a part of his congregation. 

Why did they come to this country ? 

That they might be allowed to worship God, in their 
own way, without being molested. 

Did they suffer many hardships ? 

Yes ; nearly half their number perished before the next 
Spring, from the cold and for want of food* 

Who came over soon after ? 
A company of Puritans, 

Why were they called puritans T 

They were called so by their enemies, who ridiculed 
them for their strictness in religion. 

What was the caoseof the first war with the Indians ? 
The Indians feared that the whites would become so 
numerous as to overcome them. 
With what tribes was it carried on ? 
The Pequods and Narragansetts. 

Who o f the Judges that condemned King Charles I to death, came 
over lo this country ? 

Whaley and Goffe, who lived and died here. 

How m.any towns and villages did New- England contain fifty years 
after the settlement at Plymouth ? 

One hundred and twenty towns, and as many thousand 
inhabitants. 

What were the causes of the wars with the Indians ? 
They had sold their land to the white people, who had 
cleared it up and destroyed their game. 

Who was the leader in this war ? 

Philip, a sachem of a tribe living within the boundaries 
ofPlymouth and Rhode-Island. 
What was his character ? 

A fearless, ambitious, and desperate soldier as ever stood 
at the head of an army. 

Were many of the whites destroyed ? 

Yes ; they were often shot when they opened their doors 
in the morning, in their fields, and at church, — Many vil. 



6 

ages were burnt, and the people within killed or carried 
off by the Indians. 

Did the white people finally conquer the Indians ? 
Yes ; they killed one thousand warriors, and took threei 
hundred prisoners. 
Was Philip killed ? 

Yes ; by one of his own men, whose brother he had 
shot for proposing to surrender to the whites. 
When was New-Hampshire made a separate Colony ? 
In the year 1680. 
What took place in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692 ? 

The people believed that there were witches among 
them, who had the power of bewitching others. 
What was done with those who were supposed to be witches ? 

Nineteen persons were foolishly put to death, and many 
more were imprisoned. 

When was the first settlement made in New Hampshire ? 

In the year 1623. 
How many persons met at Exeter to form a civil government ? 

Thi rty.fi ve. 
Did this Colony suffer from Indian wars ? 

Yes ; the town of Dover, and ihe settlement on 'Oyster 
river, suffered severely. 

Who came over in 1719 ? 

About one hundred families, mostly Presbyterians, from 
the North of Ireland. 

What did they bring with them ? 

Potatoes, and the foot spinning-wheel. 
Who settled Hartford, in Connecticut? 

Rev. Mr. Ho )ker, and about one hundred meti, women, 
and children belonging to his congregation. 

Where did they go from ? 

Cambridore, in Massachusetts. 
How long did they travel through the wilderness ? 

Two weeks. 
How did they subsist ? 

On the milk of the cows they drove with them. 
Had the Colony of Connecticut any wars with the Indians ? 

Yes ; they suffered as much, or more, than any others, 
from the Pequods. 
When was Yale College founded ? In 1703. 



From whom does it derive its name ? 
From Eliha Yale, who made several donations to it. 

By whom was Rhode Island settled ? 

By Roger Williams. 
IIow did he obtain the lands of the Indians ? 
By purchase. 

What was his character ? 

A very benevolent man. He not only endeavored to do 
all the good he was able among the white people, but he 
learned the Indian language, and instructed and improved 
them. 

Did the Colony increase in population? It did. 

What was the reason of it ? 

Becaus3 his government tolerated all religions. 
What was the number of inhabitants in less than one hundred yoars 
after it was settled ? 

Eighteen thousand. 
How many in 126 years after it was settled ? 

Forty thousand. 

When was Brown University founded? In 1764. 

Who gave 5,000 dollars to it ? Mr. BrowTi. 

Why did Williams call the place where he settled, Providence ? 

Ingratitude to God tor directing and preserving him, 
and who hiid disponed the Indians to sell him land. 
By whom was New- York discovered ? 

By Henry Hudson, who gave the name to the Hudson 
river. 

By whom was it first settled ? 

By the Dutch, in 1613. 
What was New- York called by the Indians ? 

Manhatta. 
Whonce do New- York and Albany derive their names ? 

From tho Dukes of York and Albany. 
How long si ce New-York was made a city ? 

About one hundred and sixty-three years ago. 
What were the ne,^roes of New- York accused of, a little before the 
Revolutionary War ? 

Ofattempting to burn the city, and to make one of their 
number Governor. 
Were any put to death? 

Yes ; fourteen were burned, eighteen were hang, and 
eeventy.onc were transported. 



^^5^ 



^ 



8 



Is it probable that they had an intention of burning the city t 

It was not proved sufficiently clear to justify them in 
putting so many to death. 
Wlien was George Clinton appointed Governor ? 

In 1743. 
By whom was New Jersey settled ? 

By the Dutch, the Swedes, and Finns, in the year 1624. 
Why was it called New Jersey ? 

After the Governor of the Island of Jersey, in England. 
When was Princeton College founded ? In 1738. 

By whom was Delaware settled ? 

By the Swedes and Finns. 
What was it called ? 

« The Territories." 
\ How was it governed for twenty years ? 

As ^ part of Pennsylvania. 
Who was the founder of Pennsylvania ? 

William Penn. 

Why was this tract of land granted to him by the King ? 

As a compensation for services which his father had 
rendered to the British nation. 
To what religious denomination did he belong ? 

To the Quakers. 
At what rate did he sell his land to the first settlers ? 

Twenty pounds for every thousand acres. 
How was it rented ? 

At one penny yearly, per acre. 
Did Penn always live in peace with the Indians ? 

Yes ; he cultivated peace with them, and agreed to set- 
tle all their differences, by the judgments of men, chosen 
on both sides. 
What kind of government did he form? 

A government calculated both to support the ruling au- 
thority, and protect the rights of the people. 
Did Penn's laws support morahty ? 

They did ; they expressly forbade any thing calculated 
to make men cruel or wicked. 

For what are the Pennsylvanians noted ? 

For industry, economy, and good order. 
Who first attempted a settlement in Maryland ? 

A Lord Baltimore. 
Who was the first"Governor ? 



9 

ilis son, Leonard Calvert. 
Who directed tlie affairs of the Colony for a long time ^ 

Cecil, his eldest son, a man of understanding and be- 
nevolence. 

Who first settled North Carolina * 

A few Virginians, who were persecuted for their religion. 

Whom did they request to form for them a Constitution ? 

The celebrated John Locke. 
Did the people receive it ? 

No ; it was to aristocratic for Republicans. 

What Indians did they have war with ? 
ThiTuscarora and Coree tribr^s. 
Where was the first place settled in South Carolina ? 
Charleston. 
From what did it derive its name ? 
King Ch tries I[; wh;)th3n raigned in England. 
Did this Colony suffer from Indian wars ? 

Yes; th^ Indians att^motod to extirpate the whites, but 
they were finally vanquished. 

What were some of the pecuhar laws of Georgia ? 
That the lands should descend to the male children on- 
ly ; they also prohibited the use of rum, and the importa- 
tion ot slaves. 
What celebrated Methodist preacher came over to Georgia ? 
John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist society ; a 
pious and popular preacher. 

Who came over two years afterwards ? 

Rev. George Whitfield, one of the most eloquent and 
pious ministers the world has ever produced. 
What did he attempt to do ? 

To found an Orphan Assylum,where poor children might 
be supported and educated. 
With whom did the Georgians have a war ? 

With the Spaniards. 
What did they soon begin to cultivate ? 

Rice and Indigo. 
What is the war called ths^t took place in America, in 1756 ? 

The "French War.'^ 
Whom was it between ? 

The French and English. 
Which side did the Americans ioir\ ? 

The English- 



10 

Why? Because they were under the British government. 
Where were the Enghsh settlements ? 

They occupied the whole coast on the Atlantic, from 
Newfoundland to Florida. 

Where were the French settlements ? 

On the river St. Lawrence, from its mouth to Montreal ; 
they also had aome trading houses on Lake Ontario ; they 
also founded the city of New-Orleans, at the South. 

What was the cause of the war ? 

Thsy took sjmy English tradars prisoners, who were 
trading on the Ohio, and carried them to Canada. 

Who did Governor Dinwiddie send as a messenger to the commander 
of the French army ? George Washington. 

What was his age at this time ? 21 years. 

How did he perform his duty ? 
With great bravery and expedition. 
Was he afterwards of service to the British army ? 
Yes; he saved a great part of the army from being mas- 
eacred by the Indians, when General Braddock was killed. 
Who was the British Commander ? General Webb. 

Who was the French Commander ? General Montcalm. 

What distinguished General was killed at Quebec ? 
General Wolle. 

When was peace concluded? In 1763. 

What was the result ? 

The French gave up to England all her Northern set. 
tlements in America. 
What was the cause of the Revolutionary war ? 
The British nation attempted to impose unreasonable 
taxes upon the Colonies. 
What did they require ? 

That the American Colonies should assist in defraying 
the expenses of the French war. 
Why did the Colonies refuse ? 

Because they had already barne their full part of the 
expense. 

Of what did the Americans complain as to the manner in which taxes 
were imposed upon them ? 

That Great Britain desired to tax them without allow, 
ing them to be represented in Parliament. 

Was this unjust, Yes ; it was treating them as slaves rather than free- 
men ? How did they attempt to inipose a tax upon the Colonies ? 

By laying a tax upon the paper upon which notes and 



11 

other obligations were written. 

What was this act called ? The Stamp Act. 

How did they ob ige the Americans to use this paper ? 
They passed a law that no obligation should be valid 
in law, unless it was written upon stamp paper. 
Did the Colonists resist against the oppression ? 
Yes; associations were formed in most of the States to 
resist this law, many of the houses of British officers M'^ere 
entered, and several of them resigned their offices. 
What title was given to the Stamp Act, in New York? 
"The folly of England and the ruin of America." 
On what articles did Great Britain lay a tax ? 
On teas, glass, &c. 

How was this resisted by the people of Boston ? 
About twenty persons, in the dress of Mohawk Indians, 
boarded a vessel in the Harbor, and threw three hundred 
and foriy-two chests of tea into the ocean. 

Who was an able defender of the American rights in the British Par- 
liament? 

William Pitt, Earl of Chatham. 

Where was the first battle fought ? 

On Breed's Hill, (now called Bunker Hill,) near Boston, 
in June, 1775. 

How many were killed and wounded of the respective parties ? 
One thousand and fifty -four of the British, and four 
hundred and fifty-three of the Americans. 

What distinguished man was killed ? 

Doctor Warren, a firm Patriot ; he had a few days be- 
fore been elected Major General ; he was a man beloved 
by all the advocates of freedom. 
Who was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the American forces ? 
Geor";e Washino-ton ; he had bsen distino^uished tor his 
military skill and bravery in the French war, and was ad- 
mired and beloved by his country. 
What was the result of the expedition against Canada ? 
It ultimately failed; although, in many instances, the 
greatest bravery was exhibited by the American soldiers. 
What difficuUies did they encounter ? 

All the difficulties incident to travelling through a fro- 
zen and uninhabited country ; they were visited with fam- 



12 



ine and disease, and in almost every engagement were 
obliged to contend with an enemy far superior to them in 
numbers. 
What brave officer was killed ? 

General Montgomery, in attempting to storm the fort 
at Quebec ; one of the most daring enterprises that ever 
was undertaken by man. 
Was kis death much lamented ? 
It was ; he was one of the most devoted friends of liberty^ 

What were his parting words to his wife ? 

"You shall never blush tor your Montgomery." 
Did Ctrngress erect a monument to his memory ? 
They did ;* and his bones have since been- removed to 
New York. 

Who were the Committee appointed by Congress to prepare a Declara- 
tion of Independence ? 

Messrs. Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, Sherman, and Liv- 
ingston. 

When was it adopted ? On the 4th day of July, 1776. 

What was the purport ofit ? 

That they believed all men. to be created equal ; that the 
conduct of the King and Parliament of Great Britian was 
purely tyrannical ; and that the united Colonies were, and 
of right ought to be, free and independent States. 
What enterprize did General Washington perform at Trenton ?■ 
With 2,400 men he crossed the Pelaware river, surppi- 
sed a body of Hessians, took 900 prisoners, and re-crossedt 
the river, losing but 9 of his own men. 
Who were victorious at Trenton and Princeton ? 
The Americans, 
What brave officer was killed at Princeton ? 
Gen. Meroei', and several others ; and Lieut. James. 
Moqroe, afterwards President of the U. States, was woun- 
ded. 
Who was sent to France to solicit assistance ? 
Doctor Franklin, and others. 
Did the French ministers, assist the Americans ? 
Yes ; they allowed arms to be taken from the public 
arsenals and conveyed to this GOfeHUTy. 
What distingi^ished young nobleman came over to this country ? 



The Marquis de La Fayette ; he most disinterestedly 
volunteered his services, without pay, in the American 
cause. 

What was the fate of the British army under General Burgoyne ? 

After repeated battles, he surrendered his whole army 
to the Americans, under General Gates, on the 17th of 
October, 1777. 

What effect had this victory upon the Americans ? 

It rejoiced and encouraged them. 

How was the British soldiers treated ? As friends. 

Were the Americans equally victorious at Germantown ? 

No ; they unfortunately lost twelve hundred men, in 
which the British lost but six hundred. 

Was this owing to want of valor in the American soldiers ? 

No ; the British, in their retreat, threw themselves into 
a large stone house, where they were safe themselves, and 
which enabled them to turn ar most destructive fire upon 
the Americans. 

What was the state of the American army, under Gen. Washington, 
at the end of the year 1778 ? 

They were destitute of shoes, and might often be track- 
ed by the blood of their feet ; yet such was their attach- 
ment to liberty, that they endured their sufferings without 
a murmur. 

What means did the British use to seduce Gen. Reed to persuade the 
Americans to give up the war, and again submit to the government of 
Great Britian ? 

Thy offered him ten thousand pounds, and any office 
which the King could give him in the Colonies. 

What was his answer ? 

" I am not worth purchasing ; but such as I am, the 
King of Great Britian is noc rich enough to buy me." 
What was the result of the battle of Monmouth ? 
The British retreated, and lost five hundred men, while 
the Americans lost three hundred. 
What was the conduct of General Gray, a British officer, at Tappan ? 
He refused all quarters to his prisoners, who cried for 
mercy. 
What was the result of the war, in the year 1778 ? 
The British had gained nothing in subduing the Colo. 



14 

nies ; and the Americans continued to exert every nenre 
for their independence. 

What distinguished officer was killed at Savannah ? 

Count Pulaski, a celebrated Polish nobleman- j who after 
despairing of libarty in his own country, generously vol- 
unteered to acquire it for ours. 

What was the effect of General SulHvan's expedition against the In- 
dians in the western part of the State of New York ? 

He destroyed iheir houses and towns, and returned, los- 
ing but forty men. 

How many British prisoners were taken at Stony Point, on the Hod- 
son river ? 

Five hundred ; and fifty others were killed. 

Who was the Commander ? 

General Anthony Wayne. 

What was remarkable in this victory ? 

Tha Americans entered the Fort with fixed bayonets; 
not having their gims loaded. 
What did Congress present to General Wayne ? 

A gold medal. 
How did Congress pay their army ? 

In paper money. 
Did this retain its value ? 

No ; thirty dollars became to be worth no more than 
one in silver. 

Did this bear hard on the army ? 

Yes ; the pay of the highest officer was scarce sufficient 
to provide necessary clothing. 
What did General Arnold attempt to do at West Point ? 
To give up the American Fort to the British. 
Did he effect it, 

No ; the plot was revealed by the capture of Major 
Andre. 

What was done with Major Andre ? 

He was hung as a spy. 
What did he offer his captors to release him ? 

A gold watch, and a purse of gold. 
Was it right to hang a man because he was a spy ? 

This is according to the law of nations. 
What was the result of the battle of C'owpens ? 

One hundred British were killed, and five hundred mad© 
prisoners. 



15 

What was the result of the battle of Charleston ? 
The whole Ainerictin Army was surrendered prisoners 
of war. 

Was this owing to misconduct on the part of the Americans ? 

No ; but the force of the enemy amounted to three times 
the number of the Americans. 

What was the conduct of the British Colonel Tarleton, at the Maxhaws ? 
He b trbarously refused quarters to the American sol- 
diers, when they cried for mercy. 

What effect had this, and other siraiJar conduct of the enemy upon 
the minds of the Americans ? 

It only increased their hatred towards the British, and 
made them more resolved to procure their liberty or die in 
the attempt. 
What was the success of the American army under General Surapter? 
They defeated the enemy a number of times, and in one 
engagement only nine escaped out of three hundred. 
Were the British afterwards successful at the South ? 
They were ; and Cornwallis thought that he had sup- 
pressed every feeling of patriotism in that region of the 
country. 

Was there any discontent in the American army at the close of the 
year I7dO ? 

There was ; the soldiers h:id doubtless just reason of 
complaint ; they were not paid, or supplied with provis- 
ions, probably, even to an extent equal to the power of 
Congress. 

Did their sufferings induce them to give up the cause of their country ? 

No. 

What evidence is there that ihey remained true to their country ? 

Several British emissaries met them at Princeton, and 
offered them large rewards if they would enlist in the Brit- 
ish service ; but they refused these offers. 
Wliat did the Ignited States do to relieve the suffering of the soldiers ? 
Tiiey raised three months pay, and forwarded it to them 
in specie. 

Why was this better than if it had been to the same amount in notes 1 
The notes which Congress iiad issued had depreciated 
so much, that scarce any one would receive them. 

Did any others, besides the army, suffer from the depreciation of the 
pi^per currency ? 



16 

Yes ; as this was almost the only money in the countryj 
many of the inhabitants had their whole property in it.— 
Many lost a part, and some their whole property by it. 

Was not this hard ? 

It was for many ; but we ought to consider that this was 
lost in a cause to which we owe our liberty. 

What particular providence induced the Americans to believe that they 
were favored of Heaven ? 

At two several times, the rivers Catawba and Yadkin 
were rendered impassable by heavy falls of rain, when the 
British and American armies lay on opposite sides of 
them ; and when the British, being greatly superior, were 
endeavoring to overtake and destroy the Americans. 

What was the result of the battle of the 8th of September, 1781 ? 

The loss was great on both sides. The Americans lost 
near 500, and the British 700 men. 

What act of cruelty did the British soldiery commit at Fort Griswold ? 

The British officer, after Col. Ledyard had delivered up 
his sword, with unparalleled meanness and cruelty, plun- 
ged it into his bosom : and this example was followed by 
his soldiers, with a slaughter of 120 American soldiers, 
who were supplicating for mercy. 

What extraordinary victory was obtainedon the 19th of October, 1781? 
Cornwallis surrendered his whole army, amounting to 
seven thousand men, as prisoners of war. 

Did the Americans there retaliate the cruelty and barbarity of the 
British at Fort Griswold ? 

No ; they generously spared each man, the moment he 
ceased to resist. 

How ought we to esteem the conduct of the American soldiery, com 
pared with that of the British ? 

When we consider the example which had so recently 
been set by the enemy, the conduct of the Americans ap- 
pears magnanimous beyond description. 
What effect had this victory on the people of the United States ? 

They united in rendering, with grateful hearts, thanks- 
giving and praise to the Giver of all good, for the deci- 
sive victory which he had enabled them to gain. 

What effect did this victory have upon the British Parliament ? 

TThis loss of a second entire army, extinguished the 



17 

hope that they would be able to subject the Colonies. 

What effect had it upon some distinguished patriots ? 
Some were so overjoyed that they were deprived of 
reason ; and one aged patriot in Pbiladelphia (the Door- 
keeper of Congress, actually died of joy. 

Who were appointed ministers on the part of the United States to treat 
with the British Parliament ? 

John Adams, Benj. Franklin, John Jay, Henry Laurcna. 
Who was appointed on the part of the ParUament ? 
Mr. Oswald. 
When was peace conchided ? 
On the 3d day of September, 1783. 
What was the rcsuh of the treaty ? 

The great object for which the patriots contended and 
in which they liad embiirked their lives, was fully attain- 
ed. 'The independence of the States was acknowledged/ 
Wlien was the American army disbanded ? 

In Novemb?r, 1783. They then returned to their 
homes, and enjoyed, with their fellow-citizens, the liberty 
they had purchased with much labor and self-denial. 
General Washington, having resigned his office of Com- 
mander, retired to Mount Vernon, baloved and respected. 
Whatwas the cause of discontent in many, after the close of the war ? 
Many were deeply in debt, which discouraged com- 
merce. 
What did Congress apply to the States for power to do ? 
For the privilege of regulating commerce, and collec- 
ting a revenue for it. 
Which of the States refused ? New York. 

What did llie State of Massaclnisetts attempt to enforce ? 
That the legislature shou Id issue paper money, in order 
to enable the people to pay their debts. 
When was the Constitution of the U. States formed ? ||i. 

A Convontion of all the States (except Rhode Islancf) 
met at Philadelphia, for the purpose, in 1787. 
Who was President of this Convention ? 

The venerable George Washington ; equally illustrious 
as a soldier and a statesman. 

IIow long were they engaged in forming this Convention ? 
About four months. * 

Was this an arduous task ? 



18 

It was truly so ; it ^vas no less than forming the rules 
By which a Cre^ j)oop]e should govern themselves. 
■ Kave posterity hoaered the labor of tliese veterans of the Revokilion ? 

They have ; amid all the storms and factions of more 
than half a century, " this Constitution" has stood like a 
venerable monument, revered and admired by all the 
friends of liberty. 

Of Avhat is the government of the U. States composed ? 
Of three parts, legislative, the executive, and judicial. 

Of what docs the legislative department consist? 
Of the Senate and the House of Representatives ; and 
is styled the Congress. 

How often is the Senate chosen, and by whom ? 
Once in six years by the State Legislatures. 

How often aro the members of the House of Representives chosen^ 
and by whom ? Once in two years, by the people. 

Jn whom is the executive power vested ? In tlic President. 

By w hom, and for how long is he chosen ? 

He is chosen for four years, by electors, appointed as- 
the State Legislatures shall prescribe. 

What offices devolve upon the President by the Constitution ? 
He is Commander-in-Chief of the land and naval Cor- 
ces ; he nominates to the Senate all officers of the general 
^irovernment ; and with the advice and consent of two- 
ihirds of (hat body, ratifies treaties. 

What are the duties of the Vice-President ? 

He is chosen at the same time, and in the same man- 
ner as the President ; perfDrms ail the duties of President 
when that office is vacant by death, resignation or removal, 
and is the President of the Senate. 

Can the President, or either House of Representatives, pass a law of 
themselves ? 

No ; both Houses must concur, and the President must 
approve of it. 

What if the President does not approve of a resolution passed by a. 
majority of both Houses of Congress ? 

It cannot become a law, unless it is passed by two» 
thirds of both Houses. 

What powers are vested in Congress ? 
To declare war ; to raise and support armies ; to pro- 
vide and maintain a navy ; to lay and collect taxes, duties^ 



19 

imposts, and excises ; to regulate commerce ; to coin 
money ; and all other powers of a general and national 
character. 
In what docs tlie judicial power consist ? 

It is vested in a Supremo Court, and such inferior 
Courts as Congress may establisli ; its authority extends 
to all cases of maratime jurisdiction, to all controversies 
between citizens of diflerent States, and between foreign- 
ers and citizens. 

Who was chosen first President ? 
GcoriTC Washinjjjlon. 
Who was elected Vice-President ? 

Johu Adams ; a distinguished civilian, patriot and 
statesman. 

Were Washington and Adams re-elected ? 
They v.cre. 

Who was the opposing candidate to Mr. Adams ? 
GcDige Clinton, of New-York. 

Wlio was appointed, in 1791, to lead the war against the Indians ? 
Cxeneral Wayne. 
Did he effect a treaty ? 

He did ; one which was long and fliithfull}^ observed, 
and M'hich secured peace to our Northern frontiers. 
Who was chosen second President ? John Adams. 

Who was the opposing candidate ? Thomas Jefferson. 

To what office was Mr. Jefferson elected ! 
'i'o that of Vice-President. 
"\Vhcn did General Washington die ? 

On the 14th of December, 1799* 
How did Congress honor his memory ? 

The Speaker's chair was shrouded in black, and the 
members wore black during the rest of the session. 
In wdiat language was his character described ? 

'• First in wai' ; first in peace; and first in the. hearts 
of his countrymen.'? 
Who was elected third President ? Thomas Jefferson. 

Wlio was elected Vice-President ? Colonel Hurr. 

What was the numher of inhabitants in the year 18o9 ? 

Five millions three hundred and nineteen thousand sev- 
en hundred and ninety. two. 
Who was the fourth President ? James Madison, 

Was Mr Madison re-cloctcd ? He was. 



20 

"Who was the opposing candidate ? 
De Witt Clinton, of New-York. 
When was war declared between Great Britain and the U. States ? 
On tlie 18th of June, 1812. 
What were the causes of this war ? 

One principal cause was the habit of impressing citi- 
zens of the United States, and obliging them to serve on 
board British vessels. 

Was this practice continued for a long time ? 
Yes ; ever since the peace of 1783, and all remon- 
strances against it appeared in vain. 
What wa=? another cause of this war ? 

Great Britain and France being at enmity, each had 

passed laws which prohibited the United States, and other 

neutral nations, from trading with the other. 

Why was not war also declared against France ? 

Bonaparte revoked the decrees on the part of France, 

which prohibited the U. States from trading with England. 

What were these decrees called ? 
The Berlin and Milan decrees. 

Did Great Britain refuse to revoke the " orders in council " which 
prohibited tlie United States from trading with France ? 

Yes ; although it was agreed by their minister, Mr. 
Erskine, that it should be done as soon as Bonaparte should 
revoke the « Berlin and Milan decrees." 

In what sense did these decrees of France and Great Britain affect the 
United States ? 

It restrained commerce ; which injured very material- 
ly, all who were engaged in it, and produced a general 
stagnation of business of every kind. 
Where were the Americans most successful ? 
On the ocean, and on the lakes ; although several vic- 
tories were obtained on land, the success was very variable. 
Who was appointed Commander-in-Chief of our armies, in this war? 
General Dearborn, of Massachusetts. 
W^hat mortifying circumstance occured in Canada ? 

Gen. Hull, wlio, it was hoped, would have conquered 
the whole country, surrendered his army prisoners. 

Was he censured ? 

He was ; and justly, for his want of decision and en- 
ergy, if nothing more. 



21 

How many British vessels were captured during the first seven months 
of the war ? More than five hundred. 

Where was the principal theatre of this war ? Canada. 

Who commanded the American fleet on lake Erie ? Com. Perry. 
Did he obtain a victory over the British fleet ? 

He did ; and was much honored for his bravery, as well 
as his men. 

Who was sent against the Southern Indians ? General Jackson. 
Was he victorious ? 

Yes ; after many bloody battles, in which the Indians 
fought with great desperation. 
What was done by Congress to meet the expenses of the Avar ? 
The President was authorized to borrow twenty-five 
millions of dollars, and to issue Treasury notes to the 
amount of five millions. 

What contributed to render peace with Great Britain doubtful, unless 
on disadvantageous terms ? 

There being an universal peace in Europe, England 
was enabled to bring oil its forces to bear against us. 
What w as the result of the battle of Chippewa ? 
The British were repulsed with the loss of 500. 

Who were victorious at the battle of Niagara ? 

The Americans gained the field, but they lost the great, 
est number of men. 
What was the result of the battle on lake Champlain ? 

The Americans were decisively victorious, both on the 
lake and in the land army. 

W^hat occurred in the city of Washington. 

The city was captured by the British, and many of the 
public buildings wore burnt ; an event, however, wliich 
was rather disgraceful to the enemy ; as a sense of honor 
generally spares the Capitol from destruction among civiL 
ized nations. 

What was the result of the battle of New Orleans ? 
Two thousand of the enemy were killed, while but 
seven were lost on the part of the Americans. 

On what terms was peace concluded ? 

The orders in council, the principal cause of the war, 
were repealed. 
When did this event take place ? In December, 1814. 

Have the United States enjoyed peace ever since ? 

Thjv have j and they have less fear from enemies 



22 

abroad, than from corruption at home. 

By whom was the governinent admmistereci immediately after the 
war ? 

By James Monroo ; who was elected President in 1816, 

by a hirge majority over his competitor. 

Was Mr. Monroe re-elected ? 
Yes ; a lid by an unanimous vote of the electoral college. 

Who succeeded him ? 

John Quiiicy Adams ; son of John Adams, a former 
President. 

What was remarkable in his election ? 

There were four candidates for the office ; neither of 
thetn having a majority of all the electoral votes, as is 
required by the United States' Constitution, it devolved 
on the States, as represented in Congress, to make choice 
out of the three highest in votes. 

Who were these ? 

Andrew Jackson had 99 votes ; John Q. Adams had 84 
votes; Henry Clay had 37 votes ; and William H. Craw- 
ford had 41 votes. The candidates, therefore, were 
Messrs. Jackson, Adams, and Craw^ford. Mr. Clay's 
friends, generally, gave their weight and influence to Mr. 
Adams, who was consequently elected. 

How long did he serve ? One term only, or four years . 
Who was his successor ? 

Andrew Jackson was elected by a large majority over 
Mr. Adams, his sole competitor. 

Who were Gen. Jackson's competitors at his re-election 7 

Mr. Clay of Kentucky, the National Republican candi- 
date, and Wiliiam Wirt, of Virginia, the Anti-masonic 
candidate. 

"Sv^hat was remarkable in this election ? 

That though, in many of the States, the National Rc- 
Ropublicon and Anti-masonic parties made common cause 
by u lilting their tbrces, yet the great popularit}^ of Gen. 
Jackson secured his re-election, by a large majority, 

V/hat w-as the state of public opinion towards General Jackson, imme- 
diately after his re-election ? 

T!ie wisdom, energy, and prudence he displayed in re- 
lation to the threatened secession of South Carolina from 



23 

the Union — and particularly his proclamation on that sub- 
ject — united in his favor nearly all the "good men and 
true " ot' all parties, except the Nullifiers of South Caro- 
lina, and iitoraliy made him and his measures a tower of 
strength, and a pledge of the Unio!i':j safety. 

^V ho was Genernl Jacksoa'.s successor ? 
M-irtin Van Buren, of Ncw-York. 

"NVlio was lii.s compeliiors ? 

(xen. Wiliiam Henry Harrison, of Ohio ; Hugh L. 
White, ot Tennessee ; Daniel Webster, of Massachusett.^, 
Tind William P. Mangum, of North Carolina. The latter 
of whoifi received only the electoral vote of S." CaroliAa. 

Wliat is remarkable in relation to the Presidents generally ? 
But three of the eig-ht have ha-l sona — the sixlli is tlv.i; 
3on of the second, and (he sixtli is one of the three wId 
have htid male progeny. 

Wliat of their length and activity of Ufo ? 

All iiave lived to a good old age. Monroe was an ac 
tive magistrate in his native State, till just previous to his 
death. Madison continued in that humble office until his 
death, which took place June 28Lh, IS-'/o. J. Q,. Adams is 
now an active and useful membar of Congress. 

What has been remarkable in the death of those who have departed I 
Thomas Jefferson and John Adam^ both died on July 
4ih, 1823, exactly fifty years after the Declaration of In- 
dependence (framed by the first and advocated by the lat- 
ter) ha-l been adopted by the Revolutionary Congress. 
James x^Ionroe also died on the 4th of July, in 1831. 

From what part of Europe did most of the first settlers of America emi- 
grate .' 

From Great Britain, the most enlightened country of 
the Eastcin world. 

What was their object in roming to this country ? 
The e^jfublishment of civil and religious iibjrfy, whicli 
were denied to them in Europe. 

Wliat wore the governments of Europe ? Mostly 3Ionarchical. 

What is a monarchical government '! 

When the country is ruled by one man, cah'od a King or 
Emperor. 



.24 

What kind of government did the first emigrants to this country wish 
for ? 

One in which the people, or representatives elected by 
thorn, should hold the supreme power. 
What were the reUgious establishments of Etirope ? 
They consisted of richly endowed establishments, in 
which the clergy were independent of the people, and 
mostly regardless of their spiritual good. 
What kind of rehgious government did they \vi»h ? 
One which was more simple, in which men should be 
selected for ministers on account of their piety, and who 
should be supporled by the benevolence of the people. 
How were estates generally divided ? 

The most of the properly descended to the oldest son, 
by which the younger sons and daughters were often 
doomed to poverty, allhougli descended from rich parents. 
Did they make a law different from this ? 

Yes ; property was divided equally among the children. 
Is the government of the United States sustained at less expense than 
that of Great Britain ? 

Yes ; the salary of the King of Great Britain is nearly 
two millions five hundred thousand dollars ; that of the 
President of the United States is but twenty. five thousand 
dollars, and the salaries of all inferior officers of govern- 
ment nearly in the same proportion. 

What is the difference in the expense of the military peace establish- 
ment of Great Britain and the United States ? 

Great Britain expends for this purpose thirty-four mil- 
lions of dollars, while the United States expends but little 
more than five millions. 

What are the comparative taxes paid by the citizens of the several 
governments ? 

While an Entrlishman or Irishman pays fifteen dollars, 
an American pays but tv/o. 

What effect does this have upon the enterprize of the inhabitants ? 

While the industry of the one is checked by the thought 
that a considerable part of his labors must be expended for 
the support ot government, the other feels that he is labor- 
ing for himself, his taxes being so small a consideration as 
not to affect him in the leagt. 



25 

What is the enployment of the greater proportion of the citizens of 
the United States ? 

That of agriculture, to Avhich they are invited by the 
fertility of the soil, aad the abundance of land. 
What is the produce of the States ? 

Almost every vegetable which may be used for the food 
of man, and almost every material used in manufacture. 

What are the staple articles of the farmer ? 
Wheat, rye, corn, flax, hemp, oats and potatoes ; and his 
pastures, bssides afiardi ng great quantities of butter, pro- 
duce an abundance of fit cattle and sheep. 
Where is most wheat raised ? 
In the Middle and Western States. 
Where are cotton, rice and sugar cultivated ? 
In the Soutliern States. 

What is generally the character of the agricultural class ? 
Industry, morality, and general intelligence. 
Has commerce added much to the wealth of the country ? 
It has very much. 
What other sources of profit are enjoyed by the States ? 
The cod and whale fisheries. 
Are manufacturers encouraged to a considerable extent ? 
They are mostly in the Eastern States, and in Pennsyl. 
vania. 

Are there any public works worthy of especial notice in the United 
States ? There are many. 

Name a few of them. 

The National Turnpike, running through Maryland, 
Virginia and Ohio, by the United Slates' government — the 
Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, by several of the State 
governments — the Pennsylvania Canals and Rail-Roads, 
by that State — Canal and Rail-Roads in several other 
States — and last, not least, Grand Erie Canal of N. York. 
What of the Eric Canal ? 

It connects the waters of lake Erie, at Buffalo with the 
waters of the Hudson, at Albany. 
What is the difference in height between those waters ? 
Lake Erie lies 550 feet above the level of the tide water 
in the Hudson. 

What is the length and general size of the Canal ? 
It is 330 miles in length, and its general dimensions 



26 



are 40 foet wide at the top, 23 feet wide at the bottom, anu 
having 4 feet of water. 

What of the tow path for the horses that draw the boats ? 
It is generally 10 feet wide, raised from 2 to 5 feet above 
the level of the Canal, and is fenced and bridged, where 
necessar}'-, at the expense of the State. 

Arc there any long levels, or places where it was not necessary to erect 
locks, on this Canal ? 

There is a level of 65 miles from Lockport to the Gene* 
see river, and another of 69 1-2 miles from Syracuse to 
Fjankfort, 9 1-2 miles East of Utica. 

How long was the State employed in constructing it ? 
It was b^.^Lin in 1817, and linished it its whole ccjiirae 
in 1825. 

What was its costs ? 9,027,056 dollars. 

Vy^ho deserves the credit of carrying the work through by his energy, 
genius, and perseverance ? L'e Witt Clinton. 

What efiect had this Canal on the settlement of the country, through 
which it runs ? 

Lands, wild and worth but a mere trifle, were settled, 
cultivated, and became valuable farms — villages scarcely 
known, bjcame depots for produce and ra[>idiy increased 
into cities — and all along the Canal the wilderness was 
changed into busy, wealthy and neat villages, redolent 
with wealth and comfort. 

Ts there any instance of the general improvement and prosperity wor- 
thy of notice ? Yes ; the city of Utica. 

When was it settled ? In 1739 ; by a few families only. 

What was its increase ? 

In 1794 it had increased to 20 families, living in a less 
naaibjr of houses— in 1813 it contained only 1,700 souls, 
in 1820 it had a population of 2,972 — and at the present 
time upwards of 15,0l)0. 
What of the land on which it stands, and in its vicinity ? 
From baing a marsh, into which, in many places, a man 
might easily thrust a rail its tlill length, the land by culti- 
vation, has settled, bscome lirm and valua'oie, and all this 
betbre the stumps of the f jrest, in the city, have all de- 
cayed or been removed from it. 
Is the first house yet standing ? 
The first framed building is now a comf^ruible dwelling- 



57 



— thj second is used ad an out-building — one of the first 
settlers, the builder of the first brick house, the master 
builders of the oldest churches, the man who felled the 
timber for the erection of the first bridge (erected here) 
over the Mohawk, and first president of the village, (1798.) 
were still living in 1831. 

What is the general amount of travelling centering in I'tica ? 
There arc 92 mail arrivals; 91 stage arrivals, and (dur- 
ing the season) 41 packet arrivals weekly, besides the pri- 
vate and common boat conveyances, which are very great. 

What is its literary character ? 

Besides its Lyceum, Medical and other Associations, 
and t33 schools, it has 5 or 6 bookstores, 9 printeries, em- 
ploying about 20 presses, and issuing about 90,000 peri- 
odical papers every month. 
What of the laws and inslitntions of the United States ? 
Being devised by the poopk-, imuiediately through their 
representatives, they were intended for the benefit of the 
people. Every inslituiion is more popular in its tbrm, 
less aristocratic or exclusive than simikir ones in Europe. 
The laws are milder, better calculated to reform, and less 
liable to gratify the malice or cruelty of the revengeful. 
IIow many crimes are yet punished with death ? 
By the United States' laws, treason and robbery of the 
mail are punislicd with death. 
What of the several States ? 

They difier ; in Pennsylvania, but one crime (murder 
in the first de;iree) is thus punished — in New-York, two 
(iuurder and arson) are thus punished — -ind in some ..f th^ 
States even five crimes arc punished with death. 
IIow is it, in this respect, in Great Britain ? 

Crimes th it here are punished with imprisonment for a 
few years, are there only expiated with death. 
What is the effect of such severity in the laws ? 
Of the criminals found guilty, but very few suflc^r, ow- 
ing to the superior humanity of the people over their laws 
thus the punishments are u'lcertain, and crime encouraged. 
What facts warrant this belief? 



28 

The increase of crime in England with the increase of 
their sanguinary laAVs ; and the decrease of crime in this 
country, as our laws decrease in severity and increase in 
certainty. 
What effect have severe laws on persons other than the criminals ? 

They excite a spirit of brutality and inhumanity, or on 
the other hand, a feeling of such commisseration for the 
sufferer, as to destroy, in a great measure, the beneficial 
tendency of the same. 

Then the abolition of the whipping-post, stocks and pillory was bene* 
ficial to the community ? g 

Decidedly so ; for as these did not lessen crime, but 
brutalized the feelings of the vulgar, and shocked the hu- 
)nanity of the good, their ab3lition was harmless to the 
criminal, and a great banefit to all others. 

What is the difference between the system of education in the United 
States and Great Britain ? 

The Universities of Great Britain are accessible only 
to the rich, while in the United States every effort has 
b3en made to bring a good education Avithin the reach 
of all. 

Have the legislatures of the different States endeavored to promote 
this object ? 

YoS ; many of them have appropriated considerable 
fijuJs f(>r the support of schools. 

How are schools supported in Massachusetts ? 
A law was p;issed as early as 1647, that a school should \ 
be supported by a public tax, '\\\ every town containing! 
fifty families. 

What is the School Fund of Connecticut ? 
One million seven hundred thousand dollars. 
How is the money appropriated ? 

it is distributed in the several school districts, according 
to the number of scholars that attend the school. 
What has been the effect of this system ? 

Scarce a person can be found not qualified by education 
to contract the comaion business of life. 
Is there any noted free schools in this State ? 
Yes ; Bacon Academy, at Colchester. 
When was this s.-liool founded ? In 1800. 



20 

From whence ^oes it derive its name ? i,«- Ti- 

lt is named after its benefactor and founder, Mr. Pier- 
)ont Bacon, who gave 835,009 for its support. 
What branches are taught in the School ? 

All tlic higher branches of an Enghsh education. Ihis 
nslitution has ever been considered one of the most re- 
jpectable and flourishing in the State. 

Wlio is its purest principal ? 

Mr. Myron N. IM orris, a very able and competent per- 

50I]L. 

What is the School Fund of New York ? 
In the year 1820 it amounted to 1,215,000 dollars. 
Have any provisions been made to increase this fund • 
Yes ; the unsold and unappropriated lands of the Stats 
when disposed of, are to be devoted to tho same laudable 

purpose. 

What will probably be the amount of these lands ? 
About one million more. 

How many children were taught in Common Schools in the year 
1821? ,11 

Three hundred and thirty-three thousand ; a number 

nearly equal to all the children in the State between the 
ages of five and fifteen years. 

What was the number in 1823 ? 400,000. 

What IS done for the education of children in Virgmia ? _ 

Although their School Fund is of recent origin, and its 
income small, yet most of the rising generation are in- 
structcd in private schools by domestic teachers, yet these 
schools do not provide for the education of the poor. 

Has the national government made provision for the supportof Schools. 

Yes ; in oliering their public lands for sale, they have 
made a reservation, in every township, of 640 acres for the 
support of schools. 

Has much benefit as yet arisen from them ? 
No ; but they promise to become a pow^ertul auxiliary, 
when the new States shall become more thickly settled. 

.\rc there many schools of higher order ? r • i 

In the New-England States almost every town furnish- 
es an Academy, many of which have considerable funds, 
extensive libraries, and other apparatus. 



so 

What sciences are taught in Academies ? 

English Grammar, Composition, Rhetoric, Histoiy, Phi. 
losophy, Chemistry, Mcilhematics and the Latin and Greek 
Languages ; they are considered as schools preparatory tc 
a collegiate course, yet many of these being taught by 
those who have obtained degrees, all the sciences are 
taught that are usually required in the Colleges themselves. 
Is the Academy at Exeter, in New-Hampshire richly endowed ? 
Yes ; Its funds amount to 80,000 dollars ; its library 
contains 700 volumes, and it has a handsome philosophi- 
cai apparatus. 
Which is the oldest College in the United States ? 
Harvard College, at Cambridge, Massachusetts. 
When was it founded? 
In the yoar i()3S ; only IS years after the first settle- 
ment at Plymouth ; an evidence of the high reputation^ 
in which learning was held by the early settlers of this 
country. 
From whom did it derive its name ? 

From Rev. John Harvard, one of the principal founders. 
What was the number of graduates in the first class ? Nine. 

W hat is its present rstate ? 

In 1824 its faculty consisted of a President and 20 Pro- 
fessors ; its library contains 25,000 volumes. 
To what is its prosperity owing ? 

Principally to the learning and zeal of its able Professors. 
When was Yale College foimded ? 

It was first established at Saybrook, but in 1716 it was 
removed to New-Haven, in Connecticut. 

Who was its principal founder ? 

Mr. Elihu Yale, a merchant in London, who made it a 
donation of four thousand dollars. 

Who was another of its distinguished patrons ? 

Bishop Berkley, the celebrated metaphysician ; he gave 
to the library about 1,000 volumes, and a flu-m in Newport, 
the annual rent of which is about 240 bushels of wheat. ' 
Whence has it derived its other resources ? 

_ Some from the State of Connecticut, and from dona- 
tions from individuals. 
Is it at present in a flourishing state ? 



81 

Its library consists of 9,000 volumes ; its laculty con- 
sists cff a President and 11 Professors, and the number of 
stud-inis nearly 400. 

Is it a highly vahiable htcrary institution ? 

AinoniT tlie most so in (he Union ; it has ever had dis- 
tin finished msn for its Pr^.'sidonts, among M'hom was tiie 
late Dr. Dwight, the champion and honor of his age as a 
schohir and a divine. 

What IS the whole number of Colleges and Universities authorized to 
confer iiegrecs ? Fifty- 

What arc the sciences taught ? 

Tlie English Lutin and Greek Languages, Rethoric, 
Mathematics, Natural Philosophy, Logic, Chemistry, As- 
tronomy, History and Geography ; in .some of them are 
also taught the Hebrew, Oriental and Modern European 
Languages, Anatomy, Surgery, Medicine, Botany, Polite 
Literature, Divinity, Ethics, Natural and Municipal Law, 
Politics and Elocution. 

What are the principal seminaries of learning in i\evv-York ? 
Columbia College in the city ; University of New-York, 
also in the city ; Union College, Schenectady ; Hamilton 
College, Clinton, Oneida Co. ; Geneva College, Geneva; 
the Baptist Scmiunry, at Hamilton, the Methodist Semina- 
ry, at Cazenovia ; besides many other institutions ot less 
note, but perhaps equal excellence. 

Theic are under the patronage of some denomination of Christians ; 
is there none wliich is equally open to all of every sect, without requiring 
conformity to the doctrines or attendance on the worship of any in par- 
ticular ? 

There is one located at Clinton, Oneida Co. which is 
truly literary in its object,and unsectarian in its regulations. 
What was it called, and when was it commenced ? 

It is to be known by the style and title of The Clinton 
Lib.u-al Institute — and was commenced fully in both the 
male and female departments in 1831. 

Which is probably liie largest female Seminary in New York ? 

Mrs. VVillard's situated on the public square in the city 
of Troy. It is a ])lain, but spacious brick edifice, and has 
acquired considerble celebrity, not only through the Uni- 
ted Stales but also abroad. 



32 

What is the general number of its pupils ? 

About two hundred young ladies from different parts of 
this, and occasionally from foreign countries, usually at- 
tend here and receive the advantages of an accomplished , 
education, under the auspices of Mrs. Willard, the princi- 
pal and founder of the school. 

Is there any other distinguished Female School in this city ? 
Yes ; there is one other, under the supervision of Mrs. 
M. Richards and her daughters, kept in the 4th Ward. This 
School is also deservedly popular ; it contains about 150 
scholars and is, under its present judicious management, 
rapidly increasing in public favor. 

Is Troy a considerable place ? 

Its location at the head of the sloop navigation on the 
Hudson — and also near the junction of the Champlain and 
Erie Canals, renders its trade considerable. 

What was its population in 1810? 
About three thousand eight hundred souls. 

What in 1820 ? About five thousand three hundred. 

What at the present time ? Nearly 20,000. 

What is the character of its merchants ? 
They are noted for enterprize, industry and intelligence. 

Have they any trade besides that of the river and Canals ? 
Yes ; considerable with Vermont and Massachusetts. 

Vvliatis the character of its inhabitants generally ? 
As there are many good schools here, and the place is 
pleasantly located, Troy is the favorite residence of many 
families of retired habits and competent fortunes ; of course 
the society is of a high moral and literary character. 

Is there any other school of note here ? 

Yes ; the Van Rensselaer School is located here. 

For what sex is it intended ? For Young Men. 

Is there any branch of education which does not receive its appropri- 
ate share of attention in the United States ? 

That of Elocution ; although it is attended to in a de- 
gree, yet it is manifest that the attention paid to it is far 
below its importance in the scale of education. 

What grade of attention ought to be paid to the art of speaking ? 

It ought evidently to receive the first attention. 

What reason can be given for this ? 

As the majority who receive an education are expected 



33 



to become public speakers, any person of the least obser- 
vation must see the importance of (his qualification. 

Have the most eminent and useful men bestowed particular attention 
upon this branch of education ? 

They have ; many instances could be given of this. — 
Demosthenes, of Greece ; Cicero, of Rome ; Pitt, of Eng- 
land ; Mr. Ames, and others, of our own country will 
ever stand upon the temple of fame ; while hundreds of 
others, who might have possessed all their other attain- 
ments, have lived and died in obscurity. 

Has the remark often been made that the United States have produced 
no eminent scholars ? It has. 

Is this just ? 

It is doubtless true, when compared with a few orna- 
ments of the old world. 

Have we any historians equal to Hume or Robertson ; any poets equal 
to MiUon or Pope ; any chemists equal to Lavoiser or Davy ; or any 
metaphysicians equal to Locke, Berkley, or Reid ? 

We have not who equal these eminent luminaries ; but 
very few of such men are furnished by any nation. 

Does this fact argue any thing against our national character ? 

It does not ; it must be recollected that our country is 
yet in its infmcy ; that tor a great while it was either 
struggling against oppression, or under the embarrassments 
occasioned by the struggle for its independence, and that 
it has not had ability to endow institutions of learning 
equal to those of our mother country. 

Is it, however, true that we have none who have distinguished them- 
selves for science ? 

This is not true, by any means ; we can probably boast 
of as many men, in proportion to our population, who have 
a liberal knowledge of the languages. Philosophy and 
Mathematics as Great Britain. In addition to this fact 
even in the infancy of our country, there is undoubtedly 
altogether more information among the middle and lower 
classes of society than among the same classes there. 

Is America able to compete, in any degree, with Great Britain, in point 
of important discoveries in the useful arts ? 

In really important discoveries we probably equal them. 
What are some gf the important discoveries of wjiichthe English may 
boast ? 

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-Mr. Arkn right invented the spinning. wheel ; Wor. 
iev. -Newcoman and Watt, who substituted steam for w 
nnd water m propelling the machiner>^ of manufactori. 
^Jv CnP" °'-'^' ^"'^'?"",^ inventions of the Americans ? 
^>h. Godirey invented the .Mariner's Quadrant : Fra 
Zr'wl . rod which protects our houses from lig 
mng ; W hitlemore invented the machine for makino- ca! 
^nitney invented the Gin for cleaning cotton: Perk 
invented the nail Machine, and Fulton applied the ^ 
of steam to purposes of navigation. 

ThP R? ^ "'•"'^ States furnished any historians of merit ? 
Mr. W T' ^Z^^^^^-^^^"' ^^r«^^y. Belknap? Williar 
HoL^ ' '/ Tt^>VNew York, and the annals 

Holmes, are works ot sterling merit, and some of the 
m point of style and as affording useful and instruct] 
matter, are m/erior to no others. % 
^P^iV'S '^^ c^^acler of Dr. Frankiin'as a writer ? 
1-1 obably no uninspired man has ever furnished mo 
.i want advice applicable to the ordinary concerns of Ih 
Ha\e we any distinguished noveK^t. ? *^ ,. 

i^^rown and Cooper are probably not exceeded bv any 

Have we any distinguished theologians. ? " ^ 

Hopkins. Dwight. Lathrop: Davis, Kollock, Buckmi 
^ter. Beecher, Taylor, Chauncey and Channing are des. 
vedly eminent The theological works of Dr. Dwia 
^ave obtained the most fl.vorable notices and recommend 
tionsfrom the British themselves, and are read and a 
proved by many of their most eminent divines. 
Have we not one who stands even before these ? 

ies : the works of Dr. Edwards probably are inferi< 
to none of the kind in the world. The greatest and be 
ot men here and on the other side of the water, speak i 
mm only in terms of respect, 
^ve we famished any distinguished Dohtic-^ writers ? 

VV e have a number, of which no country need to b 
asnamed ; we will, however, mention bat one, of whor 
^e think that we may justJy boast— the late Thoiu, 



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